President Uhuru Kenyatta addresses the media at State House, Nairobi, on May 16, 2014. FILE PHOTO | SALATON NJAU |
NATION MEDIA GROUP
President Kenyatta has promised bolder measures to fight terrorism and corruption this year.
In
his New Year message televised at midnight, Mr Kenyatta also promised
to strengthen devolution by working closely with the 47 county
governments.
The President said the Jubilee Government
was determined to combat the threat of terrorism and would spare no
effort in achieving that goal.
“We will sustain strong actions to combat this evil in all its manifestations.
“In
this respect, my administration will continue to take all the necessary
measures, under the law, to ensure that Kenyans and their property
remain safe and secure.”
He said the government’s
resolve to protect life and property was not negotiable. “We will never
allow anyone to intensify our vulnerability in the name of freedom and
democracy,” he said, apparently criticising the Opposition for
challenging the Security Laws (Amendment) Act 2014 in court on grounds
that it violates basic freedoms.
“Democracy and freedom
are promises of happiness, security and prosperity. Not fear, pain and
despair. In securing Kenya, we secure progress. By protecting our
people, we protect democracy.”
However, he said the
government would continue with efforts to entrench constitutional order
and values in every facet of national life.
On
corruption, Mr Kenyatta promised to ensure transparency in the delivery
of services by the government saying the vice was a major threat to the
national development agenda.
“In addition to the menu
of policy and institutional frameworks, my government will digitise
public service transactions to make them more transparent and thereby
eradicate the opportunity for corruption,” he said, adding that the war
on corruption “must and will be won”.
The President
also promised that more vulnerable people will enjoy social protection
as the government continues investing more resources in the development
of roads, railways, ports, harbours, and in energy and Information
Communication Technology.
“We will build and equip schools, hospitals and stadia. We will carry on the work of national cohesion,” he promised.
Mr Kenyatta also announced that Huduma centres and e-citizen services would be expanded to reach every part of Kenya this year.
“Farmers will have access to inputs, mechanisation and extension services to make Kenya food secure.
“Electricity connection will be expanded to every primary school in the country.”
He
further stated that the Jubilee Government would intensify efforts to
enhance national security through investment in institutional, policy
and operational capacities.
He thanked Kenyans for collaborating with security agencies to keep the country secure during the festive season.
“Let us work even more to be secure, safe and happy
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